Answer summary
The second person to walk on the Moon was Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, who stepped onto the lunar surface on July 20, 1969, during NASA’s Apollo 11 mission. As Lunar Module pilot of Eagle, Aldrin joined mission commander Neil Armstrong on the Moon after the landing, making him the first person to set foot after the initial step by Armstrong. This profile outlines Aldrin’s role, the mission context, key dates, and verifiable outcomes, drawing on official NASA records and mission documentation.
Apollo 11 mission overview
Apollo 11 was NASA’s first crewed lunar landing, launched from Kennedy Space Center on July 16, 1969. The spacecraft entered lunar orbit on July 19, and the Eagle Lunar Module separated from the command module Columbia on July 20 to descend toward the Moon’s surface. The mission’s primary objectives included performing a crewed lunar landing and returning samples and data to Earth. Apollo 11 fulfilled these goals and remains one of the most documented achievements in space history.
Key timeline of July 20, 1969
- 20:17 UTC: Eagle Lunar Module lands in the Sea of Tranquility.
- 22:39 UTC: Neil Armstrong exits the module and descends the ladder, becoming the first human to step on the Moon.
- 22:56 UTC: Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin follows Armstrong down the ladder and becomes the second person to walk on the Moon.
- 23:15 UTC: Aldrin and Armstrong plant the U.S. flag and collect initial samples.
Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin’s role on Apollo 11
As Lunar Module pilot, Aldrin was responsible for monitoring spacecraft systems, assisting with navigation, and executing descent and landing procedures. After touchdown, he performed checklist checks and prepared for egress. His tasks on the surface included deploying scientific experiments, such as the Passive Seismic Experiment package, and photographing geological features to support later analysis. Aldrin’s responsibilities underscored the mission’s focus on redundancy and precision.
Tasks and responsibilities during EVA
- Surface extravehicular activity (EVA) duration: approximately 2 hours, 15 minutes.
- Deployment of the Early Apollo Scientific Experiments Package (EASEP).
- Collection of about 21.5 kilograms of lunar material for return to Earth.
- Photography using a specially designed handheld camera to document surface conditions.
Verified mission and crew details
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Crew (Command Module pilot) | Michael Collins | NASA official crew assignment |
| Lunar Module name | Eagle | Mission documentation |
| Command Module name | Columbia | Mission documentation |
| Launch date | July 16, 1969 | NASA mission records |
| Lunar landing date | July 20, 1969 | Mission timeline logs |
| Lunar surface EVA start (Aldrin) | 22:56 UTC | Mission transcript |
| Lunar samples returned | Approximately 21.5 kg | Lunar Receiving Laboratory report |
| Landing site | Sea of Tranquility | Lunar reconnaissance data |
Historical context and broader significance
Aldrin’s walk followed Armstrong’s initial steps within minutes, making the two the only humans to have walked on the Moon during the Apollo program’s landing missions. The success of Apollo 11 demonstrated complex engineering, navigation, and life-support capabilities at an unprecedented scale. Aldrin’s training, work in orbital mechanics, and public communication about space exploration have shaped perceptions of human spaceflight and remain influential among scientists and the public alike.
Aldrin’s later contributions and legacy
After Apollo 11, Aldrin continued working in the U.S. Air Force, pursued advanced education, and advocated for space exploration policy and future missions to Mars. He has authored books, participated in documentaries, and engaged with educational initiatives to inspire interest in science and engineering. Many of the experiments and data he helped collect remain studied today, contributing to long-term lunar science. His role as the second person on the Moon continues to be a benchmark in discussions about human spaceflight achievement.
Common questions and clarifications
- Who was the first person on the Moon? Neil Armstrong was the first person to step onto the lunar surface.
- What was the second person’s main responsibility on the surface? Aldrin managed checklist completion, deployed experiments, collected samples, and documented surface conditions alongside Armstrong.
- Did the second person pilot the Lunar Module back to orbit? No, both Armstrong and Aldrin were on the surface; after lift-off, the ascent stage rendezvoused with Collins in orbit, after which Aldrin returned to Earth with Armstrong and Collins.
Useful mission comparisons
While Apollo 11 was the first landing, later missions carried more advanced equipment and longer surface stays. The table below compares key surface activities of Apollo 11 with a later mission for context.
| Mission | Lunar Module | Surface EVAs | Duration per EVA (approx.) | Samples returned |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apollo 11 | Eagle | 1 | 2h 15min | 21.5 kg |
| Apollo 12 | Intrepid | 2 | 7h 45min and 4h 58min | 34.4 kg |
Sources and further reading
Information in this profile is drawn from NASA mission transcripts, the Apollo 11 Mission Report, and verified crew documentation available through official NASA archives and published historical records. These sources provide a factual basis for understanding the sequence of events, crew responsibilities, and outcomes of the second human landing on another celestial body.
Key items referenced include mission timelines, surface EVA logs, and the Lunar Receiving Laboratory sample catalog.